10 scary movies for adults

Sunday

Sep 28, 2008 at 12:01 AMSep 28, 2008 at 1:36 PM

When it comes to scary movies, the choices seem endless. From zombies to aliens, ghosts to psychopaths, there are hundreds of horror movies out there that play on your fears. We've listed 10 -- a small cross-section -- that should satisfy your spooky needs this Halloween.

When it comes to scary movies, the choices seem endless. From zombies to aliens, ghosts to psychopaths, there are hundreds of horror movies out there that play on your fears. We've listed 10 -- a small cross-section -- that should satisfy your spooky needs this Halloween.

"The Fly" (1958)

A scientist testing a teleportation device accidentally makes a transfer with a housefly. With human and fly DNA mixed, the scientist shares physical attributes of the fly. This version of the film features a shocking reveal at the end, while the 1986 version with Jeff Goldblum focuses on the disgusting (really disgusting) transformation of human to fly.

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978)

There are three versions of this alien invasion movie, with the ‘78 remake featuring Donald Sutherland as a man who notices the people around him have become void of all emotion: so-called “pod people.” The movie plays on basic fears and paranoia, with a spine-tingling ending that will stick with you.

"Halloween" (1978)

After 15 years in an institution for murdering his sister, Michael Myers returns to his hometown to terrorize a group of teenagers. This movie paved the way for later slasher flicks and introduced the oft-used boogeyman that won’t die character. Mix a simply creepy atmosphere with well-timed jolts of horror, and you’ll be checking the locks before you head to bed.

"The Shining" (1980)

A creepy Jack Nicholson is “Jack Torrance,” who brings his family to an isolated hotel to work as caretakers. His son sees disturbing visions of the hotel’s past, while Torrance is driven insane. This classic horror movie doesn’t scare with gore; the ominous atmosphere and disturbing, unexpected scenes begin at the start and never let up.

"Poltergeist" (1982)

When Carol Ann, the youngest daughter of a suburban family, is taken by spirits haunting their home, an expert comes in to communicate with the poltergeists. This movie successfully builds tension while using nightmarish special effects.

"The Thing" (1982)

Members of an American research team reach an outpost in Antarctica and face a parasitic alien that can perfectly imitate its victims. As the scientists try to determine who’s infected and who’s not, so does the viewer. In addition to the tension, there’s plenty of gore and grotesque special effects when it comes to the creature.

"Scream" (1996)

A masked killer disrupts a peaceful California town in this movie that was the first – and most original – of a new batch of teen-slasher flicks. “Scream” has plenty of traditional horror-movie suspense and scares, but mixes in black humor and self-awareness about the horror genre.

"The Blair Witch Project" (1999)

Student filmmakers disappear in the woods while shooting a documentary. A year later their footage is found. This movie follows its premise to a T – it’s grainy, amateurish, and therefore extremely realistic. It plays on common fears: darkness, being hopelessly lost, and the things we cannot see but know are there.

"28 Days Later" (2002)

A man wakes up alone in a deserted London hospital. He learns that he is one of few survivors of a human-made virus that infects victims with rage. This movie provides plenty of scares and some gore, but director Danny Boyle uses documentary-style filming to eerie effect, and the viewer can’t help but wonder, “What if …”

"The Ring" (2002)

A journalist investigates the origin of a mysterious videotape that is linked to several deaths, including that of her niece. Based on a Japanese film and novel, there is little gore or cheap scares, but the images and subtle visual effects are disturbing and unforgettable.

GateHouse News Service

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